Certainly exercise is an important part of most healthy people's lives. However, there are some studies that indicate that some athletic activities may contribute to the formation and exacerbation of GERD. One study looked at athletes who averaged 4.8 days per week exercising. The study revealed that competitive weight lifters were more prone to experiencing GERD.
A sampling of nineteen weight lifters showed that 68 percent had problems with heartburn. Competitive bicyclists also were studied. They, too, were likely to have problems with GERD. Keep in mind, however, that these were professional athletes who spent an enormous amount of time exercising.
Other studies have shown that competitive long-distance running leads to increase in acid reflux. In addition, jogging is problematic and generally causes more acid reflux than bicycling.